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Saturday, November 19, 2016

Blu-ray Review: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 3D

The big day has finally come for 3D and "Star Wars" lovers. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 3D Collector's Edition hits shelves in the format with audio commentary from Director J.J. Abrams and more new bonus material found in the four-disc set. It arrives just in time for the holiday season and will be a great present to find under any fan's Christmas tree.

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn (John Boyega) crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.

I can't stand seeing 3D films in the theater and think most really aren't worth the extra cost. It's a trend that seems to be fading in popularity. Working at a movie store, I can tell you that less and less movies are being released in 3D and even less people are buying them. 3D movies do look way better in a home theater environment, though. It's something to do with the size of the screen and how more compact the picture is in front of you.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" never really used the 3D as a means of spectacle. It was utilized more as a way to give the film more depth and add layers to the visual experience. We don't get gimmicky lightsabers swinging out at you or ships flying straight into your eye sockets.

Special features:

Audio Commentary with J.J. Abrams – Enter the mind of visionary director J.J. Abrams as he reveals the creative and complex choices made while developing the first film in the new "Star Wars" trilogy.

"Foley: A Sonic Tale" – Foley artists, consisting of old pros and new talent, unite to bring the world of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” alive through the matching of sound to action.

"Sounds of the Resistance" – Hear how the epic sound design of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” moves the "Star Wars" legacy forward.

Deleted Scenes – View never-before-shared scenes that didn’t make the film’s final cut.

"Dressing the Galaxy" – Costume Designer Michael Kaplan reveals how the costumes of the original "Star Wars" movies were re-envisioned for a new generation.

"The Scavenger and the Stormtrooper: A Conversation with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega" – The two new stars share the thrill of working together on the adventure of a lifetime and becoming part of the "Star Wars" legacy.

"Inside the Armory" – Take a fascinating tour through the design and creation of the weaponry in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from the April release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” include the complete story behind the making of the film, an unforgettable cast table read, insights from legendary composer John Williams and deleted scenes, as well as features that dig deeper into the creation of new characters such as BB-8, the design of the climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren, the film’s remarkable digital artistry and the "Star Wars:" Force for Change global aid initiative.

The movie is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence. It has the same content any of the other “Star Wars” films had. There’s also some mild language to be found. The same types of expletives we got in 1977. I would say it’s less graphic than “Revenge of the Sith,” though.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 3D Collector's Edition is an absolute must-have for fans and is available now here.